Review by Daniel Meden. August 2024

Create Your Own Religion: A How-To Guide for Believers, Doers, and Seekers by Italian professor and martial artist, Daniele Bolelli, explores personal spirituality and belief systems across all corners of the globe. Bolelli encourages a critical examination of traditional religions and asks readers to consider creating their own belief systems based on unique needs and values. He argues that many conventional religions are outdated and fail to address the complexities of modern life. His solution is that individuals should craft a personalized approach to spirituality that resonates with their unique perspectives and experiences.

Bolelli investigates the historical and philosophical contexts of various religious traditions, highlighting both their strengths and shortcomings, including a serious rebuke of patriarchy and toxic nationalism that have followed many religions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying principles of established religions to better inform the creation of a new, self-defined belief system. Blending together historical analysis and personal reflection, Bolelli provides readers with tools and frameworks to question and redefine their spiritual lives.

This pervasive argument Bolelli has for more personalized religions includes rituals, moral codes, and community building. What I like most about this book is it extends critical assessment, not only to Abrahamic monotheistic traditions, but also Eastern religions that have also caused their share of patriarchy. For instance, many Buddhist still hold the belief that if a guy has bad enough karma and dies, he may be reincarnated as a woman. Ultimately, Create Your Own Religion serves as both a challenge and an inspiration for those looking to forge a more meaningful and individualized path in their spiritual journey.